greenhouse

American  

[green-hous] / ˈgrinˌhaʊs /

noun

plural

greenhouses

1. a building, room, or area, usually chiefly of glass, in which the temperature is maintained within a desired range, used for cultivating tender plants or growing plants out of season.

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greenhouse British  

/ ˈɡriːnˌhaʊs /

noun

1. a building with transparent walls and roof, usually of glass, for the cultivation and exhibition of plants under controlled conditions

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Etymology

Origin of greenhouse

First recorded in 1655–65; green + house

Example Sentences

Fusion, the reaction that powers the sun, has long been considered the ultimate clean-energy prize: potentially limitless electricity without greenhouse gases or radioactive waste.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Coal -- a fuel that emits the highest levels of greenhouse gases -- has the largest share, followed by renewable energy, according to the IEA.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The EU has set a legally binding target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

But many experts say reducing those emissions is critical for curbing climate change, as the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

We walked through the greenhouse aisles, running our hands along the petals, stopping only when we reached that one empty spot.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller

Related Words

• arboretum
• conservatory
• nursery